Symptoms munchausen syndrome
Munchausen syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment & Definition
Overview
What is Munchausen syndrome (factitious disorder imposed on self)?
Munchausen syndrome (also known as factitious disorder imposed on self) is a mental health disorder where you falsify, exaggerate, or induce physical, emotional or cognitive disorders.
People with factitious disorders act this way because of an inner need to be seen as ill or injured, not to achieve a concrete benefit, such as getting medications or financial gain. This is distinguishable from malingering which is where someone exaggerates or fakes an illness to, for example, get out of work.
If you have Munchausen syndrome, you may undergo painful or risky medical tests and operations in order to get the sympathy and special attention given to people who are truly ill. You may secretly injure yourself to cause signs of illness. You may add blood to your urine, or use a rubber band to cut off circulation to a limb. Some people will cut or burn themselves, poison themselves, reopen wounds, rub feces or dirt into a wound to cause infection, or eat food contaminated with bacteria.
Munchausen Syndrome is named after Baron von Munchausen, an 18th century German officer who was known for embellishing the stories of his life and experiences. Most symptoms in people with this disorder are related to physical illness — symptoms such as chest pain, stomach problems, or fever — rather than those of a mental disorder. While some symptoms are self-imposed, others are exaggerated. For example, you may embellish symptoms about vision loss, seizures, joint pain, headaches, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea.
How common is Munchausen syndrome? Who is likely to get Munchausen syndrome?
Obtaining accurate statistics is difficult because of the dishonesty. In addition, people with this disorder tend to seek treatment at many different healthcare facilities, which causes misleading statistics. However, in a National Hospital Discharge Survey in 2013 there were 6.8 cases of a factitious disorder per 100,000 patients. It is unclear how many of those patients had Munchausen syndrome, specifically.
Researchers have noted that females who work in the healthcare community are most likely to have Munchausen syndrome. You’re at risk if you have borderline or histrionic personality traits or disorders.
What is the difference between Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
Munchausen syndrome by proxy (also known as factitious disorder imposed on another) is where you act like the person you’re caring for (a child, a disabled individual, or an older person, for example) has a physical or mental illness while the person is not actually sick. This is a form of child or elder abuse.
Munchausen syndrome is pretending you have an illness. By proxy is pretending your dependent has an illness.
What is Munchausen syndrome by internet?
The online community has groups for people with physical and mental/emotional health issues. They’re meant to be a safe place where people who have a disorder can come together and discuss their difficulties, share tips and provide support.
Examples of support groups include those for leukemia patients, cancer patients and cystic fibrosis patients.
Sometimes people join the groups and pretend to be sick. If you have Munchausen syndrome by internet, you might do the following:
- Say you have symptoms that are far more severe than anyone else’s.
- Claim to have nearly died and had a miraculous recovery.
- Paste information copied from a health website into your posts.
- Contradict yourself.
- Lie about what hospital you attend, what medicines you take, etc.
- Claim to have something dramatic going on in your life, repeatedly. You may lie about being the victim of crime, or a loved one’s death, etc.
- Try to get the focus back on you when someone else in the group is getting attention.
- Pretend to be blasé or nonchalant (unconcerned or carefree) about your symptoms.
- Pretend to be someone else posting on your behalf. You might claim to be a partner, parent or friend reporting on your symptoms.
If you do this and get caught, this can have a negative impact on the community. The members feel betrayed and angry and may leave the group, losing out on the support that they need.
Symptoms and Causes
What causes Munchausen syndrome?
The exact cause is not known, but researchers believe psychological factors play a role in the development of this syndrome. Some theories suggest that a history of abuse or neglect as a child, or a history of frequent illnesses requiring hospitalization, might be factors associated with the development of this syndrome. Other triggers might be experiencing the death of a loved one at a young age and abandonment. Researchers are also studying the possible link with personality disorders, which are common in these individuals.
Is Munchausen syndrome hereditary?
Research does not show a link between Munchausen syndrome and genetics.
What are the symptoms of Munchausen syndrome?
If you have Munchausen syndrome, then you deliberately produce or exaggerate symptoms in several ways.
You may lie about or fake symptoms, hurt yourself to bring on the symptoms, or alter diagnostic tests (such as contaminating a urine sample). Possible warning signs of Munchausen syndrome include the following:
- Dramatic but inconsistent medical history. Unclear symptoms that are not controllable and that become more severe or change once treatment has begun.
- Problems with identity and self-esteem.
- Predictable relapses following improvement in the condition.
- Extensive knowledge of hospitals and/or medical terminology, as well as the textbook descriptions of illnesses. Medical knowledge may be quite extensive from many hospitalizations, or from a prior job.
- Presence of multiple surgical scars.
- Appearance of new or additional symptoms following negative test results.
- Presence of symptoms only when the patient is alone or not being observed (e.g. seizures or passing out).
- Willingness or eagerness to have medical tests, operations, or other procedures.
More comfortable being in the hospital than you might think. - History of seeking treatment at numerous hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices, possibly even in different cities.
- Reluctance by the patient to allow healthcare professionals to meet with or talk to family, friends, or prior healthcare providers.
Some individuals may put blood in their urine, inject themselves with feces, rub dirt into their IV lines, or put tight rubber bands around an arm or leg. They may pretend to swallow their medications but store them in their cheeks and spit them out later. Deliberate dehydration has also been observed.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is factitious disorder imposed on self (Munchausen syndrome) diagnosed?
Diagnosing is very difficult because of the dishonesty and multiple health care providers involved. Healthcare providers must rule out any possible physical and mental illnesses, and often use a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures before considering this diagnosis.
If your healthcare provider finds your symptoms medically unexplainable, he or she might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist — mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use a thorough medical history, physical history, laboratory imagery and psychological assessment tools to evaluate. Your healthcare provider bases his or her diagnosis on the exclusion of actual physical or other psychiatric disorders and his or her observations of your attitude and behavior. However, personality concerns are prominent and can make it that much more confusing to sort out what’s real and what isn’t. If you are hospitalized, you may work with a variety of healthcare providers to help determine a comprehensive care plan.
Your healthcare provider then determines if your symptoms compare to the criteria as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is the standard reference book for recognized mental illnesses in the United States.
Management and Treatment
How is Munchausen syndrome treated?
If you have this syndrome, you actively seek treatment for various disorders, and you’re also often unwilling to admit to and seek treatment for the syndrome itself. This makes treating this syndrome very challenging, and the outlook for recovery poor. If caretakers can protect you from self-harm and educate you about the consequences that can occur, it may be helpful. Trying to reduce your care through only one physician, or two working closely together (psychiatrist and internist, for example), is also suggested.
When treatment is sought, the first goal is to modify your behavior and reduce your misuse or overuse of medical resources. Once this goal is met, treatment aims to work out any underlying psychological issues that might be causing your behavior or help you find solutions to other social needs.
The primary treatment for Munchausen syndrome is psychotherapy (a type of counseling).
Treatment will focus on changing your thinking and behavior (cognitive-behavioral therapy). Family therapy also might be helpful in teaching your family members more about Munchausen Syndrome. Group therapy may reduce feelings of isolation or feelings that no one cares for you. There are no antidepressant or antipsychotic medications known to be helpful.
What medicines may help with Munchausen syndrome?
There are no medicines to treat factitious disorders themselves. Medicine might be used, however, to treat a related disorder — such as depression or anxiety. The use of medicines must be carefully monitored due to the risk that the drugs might never be picked up from the pharmacy or might be used in a harmful way.
What are the complications of Munchausen syndrome?
You’re at risk for health problems (or even death) associated with hurting yourself or otherwise causing symptoms. In addition, you might suffer from reactions or health problems associated with multiple tests, procedures and treatments and are at high risk for substance abuse and suicide attempts.
How long does it take to recover from Munchausen syndrome?
Munchausen syndrome doesn’t have a clear cure. If you have the syndrome, it’s likely that you’ll have to manage it the rest of your life, with support from your healthcare providers.
Prevention
Can Munchausen syndrome be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent this disorder. However, it might be helpful to begin treatment as soon as you begin to have symptoms.
Outlook / Prognosis
What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with Munchausen syndrome?
You might suffer only a single episode of symptoms. In most cases, however, the disorder is a recurring condition that can be very difficult to treat. You might deny faking the symptoms and will not seek or follow treatment. Even with treatment, it is more realistic to work toward managing the disorder rather than to try curing it. Avoiding unnecessary, inappropriate admissions to the hospital, testing, or treatment is important.
Living With
How do I take care of myself?
Do exactly what your healthcare providers recommend. Attend your appointments and take your medications. Be honest with your healthcare providers regarding any appointments and/or hospitalizations you may have had.
How can my family and friends help?
Educate your family and friends about Munchausen syndrome and explain your symptoms. Ask them to keep you accountable as you recover. It might be helpful to have them dispense your medication and make sure that you attend your healthcare appointments.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you have Munchausen syndrome symptoms then you should see your healthcare provider about it as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the less likely you are to cause harm to yourself.
What questions should I ask my heaflthcare provider?
- Do I have a related mental illness such as depression or a personality disorder?
- Can you recommend a psychiatrist?
- Can you recommend a therapist?
- What medications should I take?
- What treatment is best for me?
- How often should I return to see you for treatment?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you have Munchausen syndrome then you likely have a deep need for attention – perhaps attention you never got as a child – a need to feel important and a goal to find a place where you “belong.
”
Munchausen syndrome is a dangerous disease because of the risk of self-harm. People have injured themselves in an attempt to get attention and sympathy. This is behavior that needs immediate treatment. Do your best to have insight into your own actions and don’t lie to your family and healthcare providers regarding your behaviors. Get help. Your healthcare providers want what’s best for you.
If you’re harming yourself, or having thoughts about harming yourself, you should immediately contact a healthcare provider.
Munchausen syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment & Definition
Overview
What is Munchausen syndrome (factitious disorder imposed on self)?
Munchausen syndrome (also known as factitious disorder imposed on self) is a mental health disorder where you falsify, exaggerate, or induce physical, emotional or cognitive disorders.
People with factitious disorders act this way because of an inner need to be seen as ill or injured, not to achieve a concrete benefit, such as getting medications or financial gain.
This is distinguishable from malingering which is where someone exaggerates or fakes an illness to, for example, get out of work.
If you have Munchausen syndrome, you may undergo painful or risky medical tests and operations in order to get the sympathy and special attention given to people who are truly ill. You may secretly injure yourself to cause signs of illness. You may add blood to your urine, or use a rubber band to cut off circulation to a limb. Some people will cut or burn themselves, poison themselves, reopen wounds, rub feces or dirt into a wound to cause infection, or eat food contaminated with bacteria.
Munchausen Syndrome is named after Baron von Munchausen, an 18th century German officer who was known for embellishing the stories of his life and experiences. Most symptoms in people with this disorder are related to physical illness — symptoms such as chest pain, stomach problems, or fever — rather than those of a mental disorder. While some symptoms are self-imposed, others are exaggerated.
For example, you may embellish symptoms about vision loss, seizures, joint pain, headaches, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea.
How common is Munchausen syndrome? Who is likely to get Munchausen syndrome?
Obtaining accurate statistics is difficult because of the dishonesty. In addition, people with this disorder tend to seek treatment at many different healthcare facilities, which causes misleading statistics. However, in a National Hospital Discharge Survey in 2013 there were 6.8 cases of a factitious disorder per 100,000 patients. It is unclear how many of those patients had Munchausen syndrome, specifically.
Researchers have noted that females who work in the healthcare community are most likely to have Munchausen syndrome. You’re at risk if you have borderline or histrionic personality traits or disorders.
What is the difference between Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
Munchausen syndrome by proxy (also known as factitious disorder imposed on another) is where you act like the person you’re caring for (a child, a disabled individual, or an older person, for example) has a physical or mental illness while the person is not actually sick.
This is a form of child or elder abuse.
Munchausen syndrome is pretending you have an illness. By proxy is pretending your dependent has an illness.
What is Munchausen syndrome by internet?
The online community has groups for people with physical and mental/emotional health issues. They’re meant to be a safe place where people who have a disorder can come together and discuss their difficulties, share tips and provide support. Examples of support groups include those for leukemia patients, cancer patients and cystic fibrosis patients.
Sometimes people join the groups and pretend to be sick. If you have Munchausen syndrome by internet, you might do the following:
- Say you have symptoms that are far more severe than anyone else’s.
- Claim to have nearly died and had a miraculous recovery.
- Paste information copied from a health website into your posts.
- Contradict yourself.
- Lie about what hospital you attend, what medicines you take, etc.
- Claim to have something dramatic going on in your life, repeatedly. You may lie about being the victim of crime, or a loved one’s death, etc.
- Try to get the focus back on you when someone else in the group is getting attention.
- Pretend to be blasé or nonchalant (unconcerned or carefree) about your symptoms.
- Pretend to be someone else posting on your behalf. You might claim to be a partner, parent or friend reporting on your symptoms.
If you do this and get caught, this can have a negative impact on the community. The members feel betrayed and angry and may leave the group, losing out on the support that they need.
Symptoms and Causes
What causes Munchausen syndrome?
The exact cause is not known, but researchers believe psychological factors play a role in the development of this syndrome. Some theories suggest that a history of abuse or neglect as a child, or a history of frequent illnesses requiring hospitalization, might be factors associated with the development of this syndrome.
Other triggers might be experiencing the death of a loved one at a young age and abandonment. Researchers are also studying the possible link with personality disorders, which are common in these individuals.
Is Munchausen syndrome hereditary?
Research does not show a link between Munchausen syndrome and genetics.
What are the symptoms of Munchausen syndrome?
If you have Munchausen syndrome, then you deliberately produce or exaggerate symptoms in several ways. You may lie about or fake symptoms, hurt yourself to bring on the symptoms, or alter diagnostic tests (such as contaminating a urine sample). Possible warning signs of Munchausen syndrome include the following:
- Dramatic but inconsistent medical history. Unclear symptoms that are not controllable and that become more severe or change once treatment has begun.
- Problems with identity and self-esteem.
- Predictable relapses following improvement in the condition.
- Extensive knowledge of hospitals and/or medical terminology, as well as the textbook descriptions of illnesses.
Medical knowledge may be quite extensive from many hospitalizations, or from a prior job. - Presence of multiple surgical scars.
- Appearance of new or additional symptoms following negative test results.
- Presence of symptoms only when the patient is alone or not being observed (e.g. seizures or passing out).
- Willingness or eagerness to have medical tests, operations, or other procedures. More comfortable being in the hospital than you might think.
- History of seeking treatment at numerous hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices, possibly even in different cities.
- Reluctance by the patient to allow healthcare professionals to meet with or talk to family, friends, or prior healthcare providers.
Some individuals may put blood in their urine, inject themselves with feces, rub dirt into their IV lines, or put tight rubber bands around an arm or leg. They may pretend to swallow their medications but store them in their cheeks and spit them out later.
Deliberate dehydration has also been observed.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is factitious disorder imposed on self (Munchausen syndrome) diagnosed?
Diagnosing is very difficult because of the dishonesty and multiple health care providers involved. Healthcare providers must rule out any possible physical and mental illnesses, and often use a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures before considering this diagnosis.
If your healthcare provider finds your symptoms medically unexplainable, he or she might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist — mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use a thorough medical history, physical history, laboratory imagery and psychological assessment tools to evaluate. Your healthcare provider bases his or her diagnosis on the exclusion of actual physical or other psychiatric disorders and his or her observations of your attitude and behavior.
However, personality concerns are prominent and can make it that much more confusing to sort out what’s real and what isn’t. If you are hospitalized, you may work with a variety of healthcare providers to help determine a comprehensive care plan.
Your healthcare provider then determines if your symptoms compare to the criteria as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is the standard reference book for recognized mental illnesses in the United States.
Management and Treatment
How is Munchausen syndrome treated?
If you have this syndrome, you actively seek treatment for various disorders, and you’re also often unwilling to admit to and seek treatment for the syndrome itself. This makes treating this syndrome very challenging, and the outlook for recovery poor. If caretakers can protect you from self-harm and educate you about the consequences that can occur, it may be helpful. Trying to reduce your care through only one physician, or two working closely together (psychiatrist and internist, for example), is also suggested.
When treatment is sought, the first goal is to modify your behavior and reduce your misuse or overuse of medical resources. Once this goal is met, treatment aims to work out any underlying psychological issues that might be causing your behavior or help you find solutions to other social needs.
The primary treatment for Munchausen syndrome is psychotherapy (a type of counseling). Treatment will focus on changing your thinking and behavior (cognitive-behavioral therapy). Family therapy also might be helpful in teaching your family members more about Munchausen Syndrome. Group therapy may reduce feelings of isolation or feelings that no one cares for you. There are no antidepressant or antipsychotic medications known to be helpful.
What medicines may help with Munchausen syndrome?
There are no medicines to treat factitious disorders themselves. Medicine might be used, however, to treat a related disorder — such as depression or anxiety. The use of medicines must be carefully monitored due to the risk that the drugs might never be picked up from the pharmacy or might be used in a harmful way.
What are the complications of Munchausen syndrome?
You’re at risk for health problems (or even death) associated with hurting yourself or otherwise causing symptoms. In addition, you might suffer from reactions or health problems associated with multiple tests, procedures and treatments and are at high risk for substance abuse and suicide attempts.
How long does it take to recover from Munchausen syndrome?
Munchausen syndrome doesn’t have a clear cure. If you have the syndrome, it’s likely that you’ll have to manage it the rest of your life, with support from your healthcare providers.
Prevention
Can Munchausen syndrome be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent this disorder. However, it might be helpful to begin treatment as soon as you begin to have symptoms.
Outlook / Prognosis
What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with Munchausen syndrome?
You might suffer only a single episode of symptoms. In most cases, however, the disorder is a recurring condition that can be very difficult to treat.
You might deny faking the symptoms and will not seek or follow treatment. Even with treatment, it is more realistic to work toward managing the disorder rather than to try curing it. Avoiding unnecessary, inappropriate admissions to the hospital, testing, or treatment is important.
Living With
How do I take care of myself?
Do exactly what your healthcare providers recommend. Attend your appointments and take your medications. Be honest with your healthcare providers regarding any appointments and/or hospitalizations you may have had.
How can my family and friends help?
Educate your family and friends about Munchausen syndrome and explain your symptoms. Ask them to keep you accountable as you recover. It might be helpful to have them dispense your medication and make sure that you attend your healthcare appointments.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you have Munchausen syndrome symptoms then you should see your healthcare provider about it as soon as possible.
The sooner you get help, the less likely you are to cause harm to yourself.
What questions should I ask my heaflthcare provider?
- Do I have a related mental illness such as depression or a personality disorder?
- Can you recommend a psychiatrist?
- Can you recommend a therapist?
- What medications should I take?
- What treatment is best for me?
- How often should I return to see you for treatment?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you have Munchausen syndrome then you likely have a deep need for attention – perhaps attention you never got as a child – a need to feel important and a goal to find a place where you “belong.”
Munchausen syndrome is a dangerous disease because of the risk of self-harm. People have injured themselves in an attempt to get attention and sympathy. This is behavior that needs immediate treatment. Do your best to have insight into your own actions and don’t lie to your family and healthcare providers regarding your behaviors.
Get help. Your healthcare providers want what’s best for you.
If you’re harming yourself, or having thoughts about harming yourself, you should immediately contact a healthcare provider.
Munchausen Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment | doc.ua
Munchausen's syndrome is a feigned disorder during which a person exaggerates, simulates or artificially causes any symptoms of the disease in himself in order to attract attention and undergo treatment, surgery, hospitalization. People diagnosed with Munchausen's syndrome can harm themselves to simulate the disease, can fake tests, agree to very risky operations, deceive relatives and doctors in order to get attention, sympathy and compassion. nine0005
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Articles on the theme of Munchausen syndrome:
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Which Munchausen Syndrome
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This syndrome is not a simulation of the disease for the sake of any practical benefit (sick leave, insurance, winning in court).
This disease should also not be confused with hypochondria, in which patients believe that they are really sick. Patients with Munchausen syndrome are well aware that they are not sick, but at the same time they really want to get sick, or else make everyone around believe it. nine0005
Munchausen's syndrome is an intractable, poorly understood and very serious disease. But, nevertheless, adequate good medical care can prevent serious harm that people inflict on themselves during the simulation.
Causes
The psychology of Munchausen syndrome is unknown. Perhaps the reason lies in the personal experience of a person who once suffered from some serious illness in childhood, thereby attracting the attention of relatives to himself. Maybe one of the patient's relatives was seriously ill, and he got all the care and attention of others. There is an opinion that the syndrome is associated with childhood abuse or trauma. nine0005
There are factors that can increase the risk of developing the syndrome:
- past mental trauma in early childhood;
- violence;
- a very serious illness that was suffered in childhood;
- the presence of a loved one who suffered from a serious illness;
- loss of a loved one by death;
- reduced sense of self-esteem and identity;
- unfulfilled dream of becoming a nurse or doctor; nine0034
- personality disorders.
Surprising is the fact that men predominate among patients. The syndrome is considered more common among middle-aged and young people. This syndrome, although it is considered a rare disease, still no one knows at what point the patient skillfully simulates the disease, while confusing the concerned doctors.
In order to avoid ridicule and publicity in case of failure, some patients use other people's names. Some, for example, constantly visit various clinics in order to receive attention from each doctor, but do not give them time to reveal the simulation. The rest are so deep into the essence that it is impossible to figure them out - such people achieve unnecessary operations for them and, at the same time, long-term hospitalization. nine0005
Sometimes patients constantly simulate the same disease, honing their ability to imitate symptoms over time, at the same time they read the literature on diseases.
Delegated Munchausen's syndrome is a more terrible form of this syndrome, in which a person harms his loved ones so that they get sick, and the patient, in turn, receives compassion and sympathy for the fact that his loved one is very sick.
Such patients are able to poison and catch colds of their children, just to get more attention from doctors and loved ones. nine0005
Symptoms
The symptoms of Munchausen syndrome are as follows:
- very frequent unnecessary hospitalizations;
- a sharp deterioration in health for no apparent reason;
- inconsistent or indeterminate symptoms;
- fairly frequent visits to different hospitals and different doctors;
- stories about their problems are full of drama;
- ardent desire to undergo risky operations and tests;
- very good knowledge of diseases and medical terminology; nine0034
- requests for painkillers or other medicines;
- unwillingness for professionals to talk to family and friends;
- bickering with hospital staff.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with Münghausen's syndrome, the Psychiatric Association recommends the following criteria:
- intentionally inducing or feigning illness;
- a great desire for everyone around to see a person as very sick; nine0033 complete absence of any practical interest (legal or financial).
Treatment
Treatment of Munchausen's syndrome is quite difficult, as there are no approved standards for the treatment of this disease. Patients with this syndrome enjoy being "sick" very much, which is why they usually do not want to be treated by a psychotherapist.
But, nevertheless, with a professional gentle approach, the patient may agree to treatment by a psychiatrist. Such treatment usually includes family therapy and counseling. Medications are prescribed for concomitant psychiatric diseases. In especially severe cases, the patient needs hospitalization, as he is able to harm himself and other people. nine0005
When looking for drugs to treat a disorder, you should consult with your doctor. You can order medicines online on our website.
Munchausen syndrome: what it is, signs, symptoms and treatment of the disorder
Munchausen syndrome is a feigned disorder in which a person mimics the symptoms of real diseases and seeks medical help that they do not really need.
Forbes Life studied the signs and treatment of this mental disorder, and also found out the reasons for its development in 9 mothers0004
History and meaning of the term
Finished reading here
Delegated Munchausen syndrome is just one form of the underlying syndrome, first described in the early 1950s by endocrinologist and hematologist Richard Asher. In his medical practice, he often met with people who mimic diseases: they complained about the symptoms of diseases that could not be diagnosed in them, and they gladly underwent unnecessary treatment, taking medications and even agreeing to useless operations, just to get rid of the "torturous" chest pain or heaviness in the stomach. In attempts to convincingly mimic symptoms and get the attention of doctors, "patients" often harmed themselves, for example, by swallowing glass or dropping stones on their hands.
Many of them went to several hospitals at once, thereby collecting a voluminous medical history, supposedly confirmed by several specialists. In fact, the "patients" were not sick at all - according to Asher, they were only "pathologically" trying to achieve treatment, confusing it with the care and attention that they so lacked. nine0005
The very name of the disease is really associated with Baron Munchausen, the hero of the fantastic stories of the writer Rudolf Raspe, and a German baron who actually existed in the 18th century. The same Richard Asher drew an analogy with him: like the main character of the works, people who sought medical help often told fictitious dramatic stories that were hard not to believe. In medical practice, this disorder is called mimic or feign.
Munchausen's syndrome is not a manipulation, but a simulation. A person with this disease is not looking for material gain, he wants to receive care and love
A separate, delegated form of the syndrome was identified only in 1977 by professor of pediatrics Roy Madow.
According to the expert, "delegation" is manifested in the imposition of the disease by one person on another. As a rule, in this case we are talking about children: parents are trying to convince not only the child, but also others that he is sick and needs treatment. As in the case of the “normal” Munchausen syndrome, the goal of people with delegated form is to receive attention and participation from doctors, only in this case the child turns out to be the patient, and his parent is the “recipient” of attention and sympathy. nine0005 A frame from the series "Pretense"
What the disorder looks like: symptoms, signs and forms
“Munchausen's syndrome is a mental disorder that is officially called imitated today. It lies in the fact that a person artificially evokes certain symptoms from the side of somatics. To do this, he can take substances, for example, use steroids to simulate Cushing's syndrome or thyroxine to simulate hyperthyroidism, ”explains clinical psychologist and candidate of psychological sciences Ilya Pluzhnikov.
In his opinion, Munchausen's syndrome differs from hypochondria, with which it may be confused, by the "reality" of the patient's words. Hypochondriacs may actually experience the manifestations of the diseases they talk about and suffer from real diseases, while people with a fake disorder are only trying to artificially cause them. “Munchausen syndrome is not a manipulation, but a simulation. A person with this disease is not looking for some kind of material benefit, he only sets himself the goal of receiving attention and care, love, positive emotions, and behind the Munchausen syndrome itself there can be a real serious mental illness - schizophrenia or even borderline personality disorder, ” supplemented by a doctor. nine0005
There may be several specific signs - it all depends on how the patient behaves and what he is trying to achieve. In general, foreign psychologists distinguish the following general signs of disorder, expressed in the actions of patients with Munchausen syndrome in various forms:
- a large number of disease symptoms that may not be related or even contradict each other;
- attempts to convince doctors and the environment of the need for surgery or invasive procedures; nine0034
- attempts to falsify research and test results;
- attempts to poison oneself in order to cause pain.
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“There are several forms of the syndrome. The first is when the patient causes symptoms in himself and turns to the medical network, to the doctors. The second form is a delegated syndrome, in which the patient can artificially cause the symptoms of the disease, but already in another person, and up to inflicting injuries on him. Most often, the victim of such actions can be a weaker family member, such as children or the elderly,” says Pluzhnikov. As the psychologist notes, there are other forms of the syndrome - for example, in terms of the level of awareness: patients can, with varying degrees, sincerely believe that they or their relative are sick. “Today, another form of the Internet-related syndrome is emerging - it is sometimes called “online Munchausen”. Here we are talking about people who invent diseases for themselves and talk about them on social networks in order to get attention and a positive attitude from others, ”the specialist concludes.
nine0005 A still from the series "Pretending"
Examples and causes of the disorder
Munchausen's syndrome is not the most common disease: according to experts, this disorder in one form or another occurs in approximately 7 out of 100,000 patients. From a medical point of view, it is almost impossible to determine more precisely the number of patients with one form or another of the disorder due to the fact that patients themselves tend to lie to doctors and refuse to admit real mental health problems even when they are diagnosed by professional psychiatrists. Despite the rarity, a disease in which a person begins to imitate the signs of a disease and ask for help from specialists or represent another person as sick is quite often used in the media. nine0005
In 2018, Hulu aired the TV series Pretend, based on the true story of Claudine Blanchard and her daughter, Gypsy Rose.
The murder of Dee Dee Blanchard has become one of the most high-profile cases in the United States in recent years: the daughter of the deceased, 24-year-old Gypsy, was on trial. Already during the investigation, it turned out that the girl was not only much older than her mother told her neighbors, but also almost completely healthy - she had no cancer, no "chromosomal diseases", no muscular dystrophy and could well move independently without a wheelchair. The child's illness was completely made up by the mother, in order to gain not only the compassion of others and the attention of doctors, but also acceptable social housing and guaranteed benefits. nine0005
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The topic of the syndrome in mothers was also touched upon by the HBO studio. In 2019, she released Sharp Objects, a series based on the detective novel of the same name by American writer Gillian Flynn.
A year later, Hulu returned to this disease again, filming the thriller Locked Up with Sarah Paulson in the title role. All three projects show the syndrome from a domestic point of view, focusing on what the relationship of a parent suffering from a disorder and his child is like, forced to live in discomfort and constantly be between home and hospitals. An even more difficult question is how these relationships will affect the future of the child himself, when he finds out that all this time he was actually healthy, and the life ruined by medicines and unnecessary interventions of doctors is the fault of the parent who used him for his own purposes. nine0005
“If we talk about hospitalization of children, then the cases when the reason for visiting doctors is delegated Munchausen syndrome in adults responsible for the child are quite rare: only 0.4 percent,” Pluzhnikov notes. “Mothers can use their children as weaker ones and inflict various injuries on them: they give them some drugs, thus causing symptoms, they go to the doctors.
Those trying to make a diagnosis, prescribe medications that aggravate and erase the original clinical picture. Such parents can wander around hospitals, change doctors so that they do not pay attention to possible confusion in anamnesis. Even volumes of case histories can be used, the words that this is an “incurable” child with a “bunch” of diseases and he needs help in the form of urgent treatment. Then material benefits in the form of insurances join this, and the erasure of connection with reality - it begins to seem to parents that their children are really sick, ”explains the psychologist. nine0005
Munchausen's syndrome is only a consequence of more serious mental illness
The causes of delegated syndrome in mothers, according to the specialist, do not differ much from the causes of this disease in its various forms in other patients.
Munchausen's syndrome is only a consequence of more serious mental diseases, often associated with a personality disorder and located in the clinical plane. “At some point, such people realize that it is much easier for them to receive the care, love and attention of medical personnel than to look for someone on the side - for example, to get a partner and achieve the attention they need through abuse and manipulation. Pluzhnikov says. - True, there are cases when the reason is in the experience experienced in early childhood. This may not be so much a psychotrauma as such, but traumatic experiences associated, for example, with a long stay in a medical network. The person internalizes this medical care and may want to return to it in adulthood.” nine0005
Researchers also distinguish three groups of mothers with delegated Munchausen syndrome - active initiators, help seekers and "dependent" on doctors. The first, as a rule, noticeably exaggerate the illnesses of children, the second try to drown out their own personal or professional problems by “helping” an allegedly seriously ill child, and the third are “paranoid” dependent on contact with medical workers.
The researchers estimate that most of these women do have a mental personality disorder, which may have arisen from traumatic experiences in the past, such as the loss of a parent, a severe chronic illness, or childhood abuse. In some cases, the cause of the syndrome may be stress on the background of a troubled marriage. nine0005
How to get rid of Munchausen's syndrome
“The main thing in the treatment of this feigning disorder is to help a person with those somatic symptoms that he has caused in himself, as they can be dangerous for him. Already then, the treatment of the underlying disease begins by taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, psychopharmacological therapy and habitual psychotherapy. However, the latter can often be ineffective, since people with this syndrome are often uncritical about their condition, that is, they do not see it as a problem and the need for treatment, or they tend to postpone it [treatment] as much as possible, ”explains the psychologist.
